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Moscow launched a barrage of missiles on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities on Monday, strikes that came just days after the Kremlin blamed Ukrainian forces for an explosion on a key bridge linking Russia with the Crimean Peninsula, which was annexed by Russia in 2014, CBS News reported.
Ukrainian officials said at least 19 people were killed in the missile strikes that hit a number of major cities, including the western city of Lviv, which has been a refuge for many fleeing the fighting in the country’s east.
The capital Kyiv also sustained attacks, the first bombardment in months.
The Ukrainian government and many of its foreign allies condemned the bombardment, with the European Union saying it amounted to “a war crime.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin said the strikes were in retaliation for what appeared to be a Ukrainian “terrorist act” on the 12-mile Kerch Bridge over the weekend.
At least three people were killed in an explosion on the bridge.
Since Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, the Kerch Bridge has served as a critical supply link between Russia and the Crimean Peninsula.
While the blast inspired celebrations among Ukrainians, the country’s government has not claimed responsibility for the weekend attack.
Still, analysts believe the explosion will have a significant impact if Moscow decides to transfer hard-pressed troops fighting in other regions to Crimea – or if civilians rush to evacuate.
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